FJBC candidates share views, goals
The Flathead Joint Board of Control is holding elections for irrigation district commissioners. Mail-in ballots are due to the Lake County Election Office by 8 p.m. on May 7. To learn more about the candidates, the Leader sent out the following questionnaire:
1. Why are you running for a seat on the board?
2. What relevant experience qualifies you for the position?
3. What do you hope to accomplish if you are elected?
The responses from Jerry Laskody, a candidate in Mission District #3, and Susan Lake, running in Flathead District #4, and are listed below.
Jerry Laskody
1. Some of my friends and neighbors encouraged me to run for Mission Irrigation District Commissioner. I have no hidden agendas and only wish to help protect the irrigators’ rights and interests. Without going into a great deal of detail, I am opposed to the CSKT Reserved Water Rights Compact because it ignores the project irrigators’ historic use and the water rights granted to us appurtenant to our land. I have been heavily involved in the debate on this issue and because of my extensive engineering background, I believe I can bring fresh perspective to the negotiation process. Additionally, in the long term, I believe the FJBC needs to pursue a more aggressive policy of improving efficiency and operation of the system and in planning for future needs and I believe I can help with that.
2. I spent 34+ years working as a propulsion engineer for Boeing in Seattle, retiring in 1999. Besides my engineering background, I also worked as an Extension Livestock Advisor, supporting cooperative efforts with small producers from 1994 through 2002, when I moved to our irrigated ranch in the Mission Valley. I am a project irrigator and a board member of the Western Montana Water Users Association. My professional background is in fluid mechanics and so I have an understanding of fluid measurement methods and fluid flow in general. I believe this position is a natural fit for me. I know how to listen to my constituencies, maintain focus on objectives, and achieve the desired results.
3. In my opinion, the near-term focus of the joint board will be on the Water Use Agreement and the compac,t as well as project operations. I would attempt to get the FJBC to:
• Defend irrigators’ water rights and our historic allocations of water, as well as support state administration of our water rights on fee lands.
• Remember who it is the joint board serves - the irrigators. Be more accountable to the irrigators and represent their position.
• Be open with information and be more data driven in decision making.
• Follow the laws of the state of Montana that govern irrigation joint boards of control
• Gain some control over the CME and project operations that are of concern to the irrigators in all the districts.
Susan Lake
1. We are at an interesting crossroads for the Flathead Joint Board of Control. I think it requires someone who has studied the project, understands the issues and is willing to move forward in a respectful and positive manner. I have been involved in controversial issues before and believe I have the skills to maneuver in rough waters. I love where I live and I want it to be a great place to live now and in the future.
2. I have been involved in agriculture all my life. My husband and I currently farm 1,000 irrigated acres here on the reservation. I have a background in accounting that would be helpful in understanding the financial complexities of the project. I understand the importance of agriculture to this valley and the importance of keeping our irrigation project intact and serving its customers.
3. I hope to help resolve the current issues before the board and maintain open and honest communication with the irrigators. It would be my goal that whatever direction the joint board ends up taking in this current process that we continue to have a project that serves its customers and keeps agriculture flourishing here on the Flathead Indian Reservation.